Solo Leveling: Perception is a webnovel that offers a fresh perspective on the world of Solo Leveling by focusing on Jinah, rather than her older sibling Jin-Woo. While the novel boasts well-written character interactions and good writing quality, it's held back by odd nerfs, slow plot development, and short chapters that leave you thinking, "That's it?"
In the story, the protagonist gets to choose his world, and he picks Solo Leveling because he loves Jinah. He's granted three wishes with different restrictions, and wishes for Gojo Satoru's Six Eyes, Tatsuya Shiba's Regrowth, and Kurogane Ikki's Complete Material Martial Artist abilities.
Set in Jinah's class in Seoul, the novel introduces the protagonist as a transfer student from Japan who wears a blindfold. Driven by his love for Jinah, his primary goal is to get along with her, rather than jumping into dungeons and fighting.
One thing I like about this novel is the character interactions. The dialogue is smooth, and the characters stay true to their personalities, making their conversations enjoyable and genuine. The writing is pretty solid, with the author using third-person narration to show what the characters are thinking and feeling.
However, there are issues. The nerfs to the protagonist's abilities are confusing and don't make sense. The focus on Jinah, while refreshing, may require more exploration of the protagonist's development. Additionally, the novel doesn't provide much world-building beyond the combat and situations, which could make it feel less immersive.
Another concern is the pacing. The chapters are really short, often with just one main event, and the plot moves incredibly slowly. After 20 chapters, it feels like only a week has gone by in the story, which is frustrating.
In conclusion, Solo Leveling: Perception is a webnovel that offers a new perspective on the world of Solo Leveling, enjoyable character interactions, and decent writing. However, the confusing nerfs, short chapters, and slow plot development prevent it from reaching its full potential. With more focus on the protagonist's development, improved pacing, and better world-building, this novel could become a much more enjoyable read.
